Are you getting the right form of the sunshine vitamin?

Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin

D vitamins are a group of fat-soluble hormones that come in several forms, the most notable being D2 and D3. D vitamins play a crucial role in facilitating the uptake of magnesium, calcium and phosphate in the gut; three minerals which aid in a plethora of biological functions such as the immune response, metabolism and bone density maintenance. Some vitamin D comes from the diet, but a majority is synthesised in the body, triggered by sunlight exposure - Which presents a problem to most of the British population, who get a weeks’ worth of sun spread over each decade.

Between the months of October and February, there is not enough sunlight falling on Britain to provide the Brits with adequate levels of vitamin D (EU NRV of 5mcg / 200iu). Therefore it is important that in these months, there is a conscious effort to get as much vitamin D from the diet as possible. The main food groups for vitamin D include oily fish, red meats and eggs, but it is not always possible to get the right amounts from diet alone. For this reason, in the darker months, the World Health Organisation, as well as the NHS recommend supplementing with 8 – 10mcg of vitamin D depending on age but some medical minds advise taking as much as 125mcg (10000iu), but which vitamin D is best?

All vitamin Ds are not created equal. The two most prevalent forms on the supplement market are D2 (Ergocalciferol) and D3 (Cholecalciferol). Whilst both play the same role, they have vastly different effective dosages to be effective in supplementation. Studies have suggested that Ergocalciferol (D2) which is made synthetically needs to be taken at a dosage three times higher than Cholecalciferol (D3) to have the same effect.

So why bother with D2 supplementation at all if it is not as effective? Well, until recently the main source for vitamin D3 on the market came from lanolin, an oil extracted from sheep wool. This meant that there was no other option for vegans and vegetarians other than D2, but in recent years vegan D3 has become available on the market. At Nutraceuticals Group Europe, we can offer vitamin D in both the D2 and D3 form, both vegan and non-vegan to suit all preferences.

Please contact us today and speak to one of our knowledgeable sales team to find out more.

You can also read about the levels required of Vitamin D and all other vitamins here